In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

As I shared yesterday, my Gingrich New Testament dictionary tells me that someone who is “blessed” is the “privileged recipient of divine favor.” In other words, blessed people have been shown generosity (or favour) from God.

Those who show mercy are “blessed.” The verse also tells us that they “will be shown mercy.”

This same idea comes up in the prayer Jesus teaches in the next chapter: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). We can boldly ask God to forgive us, knowing that we have ALREADY forgiven the people who have wronged us.

So be merciful.

Have you looked at the world around you these days?

People need mercy. They need compassion. So many are stumbling or unsure, feeling stepped on or neglected, weak-willed or different.

It’s a listening ear. A word of understanding. The benefit of the doubt. Forgiveness. Sensing a hurt and saying a prayer. Seeing a need and lending a hand.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.